2025 Selco.ie Formula Vee Champion - Gavin Buckley

Gavin with his trusty Sheane car after clinching his second title

Like buses, you wait ages for one and two come at once. This was somewhat the case for Gavin Buckley who successfully defended his Selco.ie Formula Vee National Championship this year. He kicked off the season in style with two wins at Mondello Park. His strong pace in both races and qualifying suggested the rest would need to step up at the next round in Kirkistown. It wasn't to be though as a mechanical problem while lying in third dropped him down the field in the closing stages and another large points haul was missed. That said his luck was in somewhat though as he wouldn't have finished if the race was another lap longer. 

Next up was the only trip to the other county Down track, Bishopscourt Racing circuit. Only used once during the season it is a favourite of all drivers and the weather was superb to make it even better. Another front row start and an early lead in the opening laps saw him back in form as he was in Mondello but a mistake at the final chicane saw him spin off and drop down the field. More points lost but a third in race two after a brilliant battle with Colm Blackburn and Conor Melia gave him a good bag of points. Although it was a case of leaving two wins behind. 

Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Colm Blackburn, Leastone, Mondello Park, Co. Kildare.

The second trip to Mondello brought the worst result of the year while again battling up front a spin into the barriers resulted in a DNF. His main rival Conor Melia while consistent still hadn't won yet which helped Buckley when he dropped points he still held the championship lead. He needed to comeback strong at the next couple of rounds to get hold of the championship properly. He did with two dominant wins at Mondello and Kirkistown. Next up was the penultimate round of the series including the Leinster trophy race. 

With the return of Ronan Doherty, Kevin O'Hara and Anthony Cross there were a few more to battle with but at this stage he was out to get enough points to wrap it up and not bring it to the final round as the year before. He didn't have the same pace as the previous rounds but did enough to secure a well deserved second title. For the final round in Kirkistown after being late to assembly he was put to the back for the race and a first corner coming together saw any chance of a win gone but a good comeback in difficult conditions saw he finish in fifth. It was his rival all year Melia who took his first win but it showed the up and down results Buckley had all year left the final points gap in the end at six points. It was close but he won more races and should have won more but racing is never as straight forward as it looks like it should be at times. 

Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Colm Blackburn, Leastone, Bishopscourt, Racing Circuit, Co. Down

Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Kieran Hannan, Leastone, Bishopscourt, Racing Circuit, Co. Down.

It's testament to the hard work done be Adam McCauley who had the car on song all year with only one mechanical problem all year and to have the car rebuilt so well after the crash in Mondello.

Speaking after the Leinster Trophy meeting Buckley reflected on his season and taking retaining his championship.

Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Fergal Begley, Sheane, Kirkistown, Racing Circuit, Co. Down.

" Yeah it's been a very up and down year, started off great with two wins followed by four not difficult races but ones that certainly didn't go to plan, then followed by to good ones. That brought us to here this weekend. His laughs give away his review of it and his performance " This one also didn't go to plan with a bad qualifying and didn't have a good race. Fair play to Conor though he drove well all year and if things had gone a bit different we could have well be heading to Kirkistown to decide the title. It has been a funny season though we lost points in race three with an electrical problem, then Bisophscourt was a bad day at the office both races I made mistakes completely my fault, then Mondello after it I don't know what happened if I hit oil or what but the car just shot off into the barriers. We looked at the videos but can't figure out what happened so that was a DNF. Conor really pushed me all year and I also benefited that Colm had car problems and didn't finish the season and Jack didn't do a full one either. I am delighted to win it though I really am it's great and thanks to Adam and the lads for the help and having the car running well all year."

Adam McAuley and Gavin Buckley, Mondello Park, Naas, Co. Kildare.

TyreDoctor.ie Formula Vee 'B' Champion 2025 - Conor Melia

13-September-2025: Conor Melia, the 2025 TyreDoctor.ie 'B'  Formula Vee Champion.
Picture Barry Cregg.

What a difference a year makes. This time last year the final race meeting at Kirkistown Racing Circuit for Lucan man Conor Melia was used to put to rest any demons he had after quiet a big crash he had there at the midpoint of the season. This year after already winning the TyreDoctor.ie 'B' Championship at the previous round at Mondello Park, he took his maiden Selco.ie Formula Vee national race win. 

It was in fact a long time coming as he was close to winning several times this year but just came up short. If he had and the crucial DNF in round three had not happened he may have claimed the overall championship as his consistency kept him in with a shout right up to the penultimate round. To be fair to the Dubliner he is only finishing his second season of racing this year. Another year with the SM Racing team also proved important as both parties kept the momentum going from last year and worked well together and as the season progressed the results got better and better. 

06-April-2025: Conor Melia, Sheane, during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. ICCR Round 1, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

06-April-2025: Conor Melia, Sheane, during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. ICCR Round 1, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

26-April-2025: Conor Melia, Sheane,, leads Eamonn Thornton, Leastone, during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg

It was also a year where regular 'B' championship runners made a step forward in overall pace and who would have more race experience which made winning the championship all the better. Coming from a sim racing background rather than the traditional kart racing one so many have done before, his driving became more smoother and less erratic than last year. This comes from time in the car and one that is prepped very well by the father and son Christy and Stephen Morrin. 

Sadly the traitional final race of the year the Emmerson Fittipaldi Trophy, was cancelled due to heavy rain. The chance to add his name this year was takin away from him by mother nature, but if this year is anything to go by only a fool would rule him out of the running next year.

18-May-2025: Conor Melia, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race, Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Bishopscourt, Co. Down. Picture: Jack Cregg,

18-May-2025: Conor Melia, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race, Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Bishopscourt, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg,

Speaking after the race he described the final championship race and his overall year. 

" I'm just buzzing, I really am, and for the lads {SM Racing} too. We have had the pace all year it was just hard to get past Gavin for a reasonable newcomer like myself. It's been said all year and its true that my downfall was not winning enough races but today we have shown we can. Bishopscourt was were it changed as the lads found a problem with the car that was a leftover from the crash last year. Once that was fixed the pace got much better and we got two second places there. There have been some great races all year with Gavin Buckley, Colm Blackburn and Jack Byrne. Sadly the weather took the Emmerson Fittipaldi  race away from us today but I will be back next year with the elbows out a bit more and try and get a few more wins."

27-September-2025: Conor Melia, Sheane, leads Kieran Hannan, Leastone, and Andy Keogh, Sheane, on his way to winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Picture: Jack Cregg.

27-September-2025: Conor Melia, Sheane, celebrates after winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Picture Barry Cregg.

13-September-2025: Conor Melia, the 2025 TyreDoctor,ie 'B'  Formula Vee Champion with the SM Racing crew Michelle, Stephen and Christy Morrin, along with Girlfriend Dorie.
Picture Barry Cregg.

Melia Takes His Maiden Formula Vee Win

 

Conor Melia celebrates after winning his first Formula Vee national win

Kirkistown Racing Circuit hosted the 11th and final round of the Selco.ie Formula Vee championship on Saturday. The northern circuit is the traditional last hooray of the season but for once it wasn't a title decider weekend like it has been so many times before. This sadly meant a few of the usual front runners were not out but still the top two in Gavin Buckley and Conor Melia were. Sean McClements was back out again and flew in qualifying so much so he grabbed pole position with a 1.05.943 lap. Gavin Buckley for once this season had no pressure on him at the last round as he wrapped the title up last time out at Mondello Park, joined him on the front row.

There was drama before the race even began, due to being late to assembly the two front row men were put to the back of the grid. This promoted Melia and Thornton to the front row. The weather was horrible, with high winds and rain it made life very difficult for the drivers but at least the rain wasn't too heavy but the track was slippy. Melia got away well and took the lead going into turn one but behind him Thornton spun going into turn two. He wasn't the only one as nearly a third of the grid did the same with some colliding with other. More bad luck followed Buckley and McClements as they were two of those who spun off. Andy Keogh and Kieran Hannan benefited the most as the slotted into second and third. 

Conor Melia, Sheane, leads Kieran Hannan, Leastone, and Andy Keogh, Sheane, on his way to winning his first Formula Vee national race

In the opening laps the front three settled into a nice battle each threading the fine line of going fast enough without being close to going off. It looked like hard work as the back end of each car stepping out as soon as the power was applied. Oliver Devlin and Michael Stafford found the grip levels very hard to find exiting turn two they both spun off more than once but luckily no damage was done other than their pride. By the halfway point the front three had pulled clear from the rest of the field but Melia had opened a gap to the two men behind also. Once again this year his smooth driving style was helping him and his chances of his first national win come closer and closer.

Kieran Hannan, Leastone, leads Andy Keogh, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race.

The battle for second was intense with both Keogh and Hannan looking like they were driving two old MKll escorts as both had them going from rack to rack. Keogh who has found some form again in the last couple of races was trying everything to get by and did with a lovely move into turn one. Hannan replied swiftly into turn three and took the place back. With both these battling it out Melia pulled clear and was safe in the lead until the safety car came out and he would loose his healthy lead. 

Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Fergal Begley, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race

On the restart Hannon made a move into turn one but Melia had it covered and a better run through turn three saw him pull a slight gap. Keogh now was right on the tail of Hannan and again tried everything to get past but just could not find a way by. Melia cleared off again and reeled off the final couple of laps to take his maiden Formula Vee national win for the SM Racing team. It was well deserved and capped off a great season for him and the team adding to his VW Spares 'B' championship which he secured last time out at Mondello. 

Andy Keogh, Sheane, leads Kieran Hannan, Leastone, during the Formula Vee national race

Conor Melia, Sheane, leads Kieran Hannan, Leastone, and Andy Keogh, Sheane, on his way to winning his first Formula Vee national race.

Conor Melia, Sheane, on his way to winning his first Formula Vee national race

The jubilant Lucan man wasn't shy in showing his joy at taking the win and afterwards said " I'm absolutely buzzing, a bit unexpected today with the two lads been moved to the back of the grid which left me on pole, but it's great for the SM Racing lads. They have put in a lot of work this year. It wasn't easy as the track was very slippy but I just concentrated on my lines and let the lads behind battle it out."

Doherty Does The Double - Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship

Ronan Doherty with his trophy after winning the two Selco.ie Formula Vee races. 

Round 9 and 10 of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship drivers made their way to Mondello Park to take on the international circuit. They would also would be competing for the prestigious Leinster Trophy on Sunday. First though the two final southern rounds of the series would have to be completed first. It also could see the crowning of all three class champions for 2025 if things panned out. 

Its been a close between Gavin Buckley and Conor Melia all year but both have had flaws in their campaign. In Buckley's case he lost points by making mistakes while leading races in Kirkistown and Bisopscourt but has won more races. In Melia's case he has been more consistent but lacked wins. This weekend would see the return of several drivers that have been missing for sometime. Jordan and Owen Kelly, Anthony Cross, Kevin O'Hara, Ronan Doherty and Tim Murray. 

Tim Murray left leads Anthony Cross into turn one at the start of race one 

A large grid of 26 cars took to a damp and slippery track for qualifying. The favorites would have to be Doherty and O'Hara. Both very talented drivers and ones the rest would have to step up to challenge. This was proved right as both locked out the front row with Doherty taking pole by a massive 1.6 seconds.     However come race time the sun was out and the track was bone dry. When the lights went out the two front men had bad starts and Tim Murray from row two shot through the middle of them to lead from Anthony Cross into turn one. Things went from bad to worse for O'Hara as he went wide and on to the grass dropping right down the order and any chance of a win gone.

Doherty was back into second as they made their way back in from the country. He wasted no time and took the lead as they started the international loop. Immediately he began to open a gap and by the end of lap one he pulled 3 car lengths clear. Cross and Jordan Kelly were now giving Murray a hard time. Championship contenders Buckley and Melia were having their own battle with Jack Byrne behind that group. Melia trying to put as many between him an Buckley. It was all go in the usual first lap mayhem of Formula Vee.

Top: Ronan Doherty, Sheane, leads Anthony Cross, Sheane, during race one.
Bottom: Colm Blackburn, Leastone leads Niall O'Mara, Leastone, during race one.

Fergal Begley had a coming together with O'Hara in the final corner and ended up spinning but managed to get going again. This slowed O'Hara's progress which was rapid for the next couple corners as he had to re close the gap to those ahead. Doherty increased his lead with ease and the three behind him had no answer to him. In fact they were beginning to spread out themselves. It was all change in the next group as Buckley was now ahead of both Byrne and Melia. The following lap saw Doherty get close to the lap record with a 1.52.9 second lap just a dew tenths off the lap record held by O'Hara. 

Doherty now had a commanding lead over Cross who just couldn't stay with him but then the safety car came out and which would bunch them up again. The problem with the safety car being brought out on the international track it eats into the race time. It was back in after a lap and Doherty resumed the race and made a great re-start not letting those behind get a chance to make a move on him for the lead. Jack Byrnes hard work was undone as a brake problem caused him to take a trip through the gravel trap at turn one. He was saved though as Lee Flynn went off at the final corner on the re-start which brought out the red flags. 

Top: Eamonn Thornton, Leastone, leads Colm Blackburn, Leastone, during race one.
Bottom: Jack Byrne, Sheane, takes a trip to the gravel.

The result was declared from the lap before not that the result was in doubt as Doherty was never going to be caught. It was good to see Cross and Murray back on the podium again though and a shame they haven't been out much this year. In the championship battle Melia came home in sixth and Buckley eight meaning it was still all to play for.

Tim Murray, Leastone, on his way to third place in race one.

For the second race there was no poor starts from the front two who both got away well but Doherty got the better one and lead into turn one from O'Hara. By the end of lap one it was already a two horse race although Doherty once again was beginning to open a gap. Cross and Byrne were right together having a great scrap behind with Murray, Buckley, Keogh and Melia all in toe. It was much the same over the next couple of laps. Championship contenders Buckley and Melia were now separated by a couple of seconds on track but still only one car between them meaning if it stayed that way the championship would not be settled and would go to the final round. 

Ronan Doherty, Sheane, leads Kevin O'Hara, Sheane, during race two.

Up front Doherty extended his lead and ended any hopes O'Hara had on challenging for the win. He was driving superb and just reeling off the laps. Cross was clear in third and had dropped Byrne into the group behind where the race was. He was having to fend off Murray, Buckley, Kelly and Melia in a car that was far from ideal, handling wise. Sadly Kelly pulled out with a mechanical problem a lap later. Once again as the race was near a close the red flags came out. Again the race was result was not in doubt as Doherty had built a lead of over five seconds. It was good to see the Antrim man back out in Formula Vee and showing how his Formula Ford season has brought his driving on even more since this time last year.

Top: Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Jack Byrne, Sheane, during race two.
Bottom: Andy Keogh, Sheane, leads Eamonn Thornton, Leastone, during race two

After the race when dropped rounds came into play the title had been decided and Gavin Buckley took the 2025 series to make it a successful title defence. A very well deserved title too and one where he was pushed all the way by Conor Melia. Melia still had cause to celebrate as he wrapped up the Tyredoctor.ie 'B' Championship. Brian Cowan also had reason to celebrate as he to wrapped up the Precision Works Engineering Ltd Rookie Title.

Top: Conor Melia, Sheane, leads Eamonn Thornton, Leastone, during race one.
Bottom: Brian Cowan, Sheane, on his way to the Rookie title

So it was Doherty's day and Buckley]s year. Next up was the important Leinster Trophy race.

Gavin Buckley on his way to winning the 2025 Sleco.ie Formula Vee Championship

Speaking afterwards Doherty said " I had a great day, I had the easy job of driving the car but its the lads who set the car up that won us the races as it went very well and it made it easier to win. Lets hope it does the same in the Leinster Trophy race."

Ronan Doherty on his way to winning race two

Byrne Back With A Bang To Win Round 6 - Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship

07-June-2025: Jack Byrne lifts the trophy after winning the Selco,ie Formula Vee race at Mondello Park. Picture: Barry Cregg

For round six of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Ireland Championship drivers returned to Mondello Park. With the previous three rounds up north it was a welcome return for the competitors to be back at the county Kildare circuit. Also returning to the series was Jack Byrne, Oliver Devlin and Dan Polley after a long break. 

Sadly the warm sunshine that drivers had in Bishopscourt last time out did not last and was replaced with a heavy showers of rain for qualifying. Track conditions were poor with no grip with Ger Byrne, Niall O'Mara and Lee Flynn proving it as all ended up in the gravel trap at turn one. Conor Melia however did not end up in it though as he drove to pole position continuing his great run of form in his SM Racing Sheane. Polley who always goes well at Mondello joined him on the front row with Jack Byrne in third and Gavin Buckley in fourth. Surprisingly Championship leader Colm Blackburn could only manage 8th place and would have work to do come the race.

07-June-2025: Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads the field into turn one during the Selco,ie Formula Vee race at Mondello Park. Picture: Barry Cregg

While the track dried up fully after qualifying with only minutes before the start of the race the heavens opened once again as the drivers took to the track from the paddock. As they lined up on the grid to take their positions the rain was coming down hard. This left it wide open when trying to pick out who was going to win.

It was now time for Melia to go for the win, he has been up at the sharp end all year and for his national championship chances he need a win to keep up with rivals Buckley and Blackburn. As the lights went out though he made a bad start letting Buckley and Byrne get past. Polley too had got ahead but Melia had the inside line ast the rounded turn one for the first time. Buckley held the lead on the opening lap but Byrne and Melia were right there. The grip level was very poor and all were struggling with the cars getting out of shape so quickly both under braking and when the power was being applied.

07-June-2025: Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Jack Byrne, Sheane, and Conor Melia, Sheane, during the Selco,ie Formula Vee race at Mondello Park. Picture: Barry Cregg

 It was a balancing act and the front three were nose to tail, not giving each other an inch in doing so. Conditions aside it was already a good showing from the Annacurragh man who was having his first event of the year. His two rivals have been out all year but it wasn't showing in the early laps. Buckley though was defending well using his lines well and finding the grip when Byrne got alongside into turn one starting lap three. Melia was there too but lost time at turn one when he was very close to running into the gravel. 

Kieran Hannan and Lee Flynn went one better, both going into the gravel but managed to keep the momentum up to get back out so much so Flynn nearly overtook Hannan as the rejoined the track! A lap later championship leader Blackburn was in it but too go back on track but dropped several places. Already the top three had pulled clear from fourth placed man Polley who was on his own and well ahead of those behind.

07-June-2025: Colm Blackburn, Leastone, went into the gravel at turn one but battled back to fourth place during the Selco,ie Formula Vee race at Mondello Park. Picture: Barry Cregg

Byrne was trying everywhere to get by and looking a bit impatient. He got a run down the main straight to get alongside Buckley and managed to get ahead going into turn one but started to get out of shape and was close to loosing it. He didn't but had to slot back into second again. His wanting to get past Buckley in a hurry was justified as Melia had closed right back in and was close to overtaking him at turn one on the next lap. This was letting Buckley open a slight gap in front and with laps running out Byrne would have to make his move soon. Then it all changed. First Melia spun off exiting turn one, he rejoined but was down to fourth, a corner later Buckley was out. He lost it on the run out to turn three and spun into the barrier ending his race. 

This left Byrne out on his own with Polley in second, Melia in third and after a sterling drive back through the field to get back into fourth and was catching Melia fast. This was helped by the fact Melia had lost third gear and was struggling to stay going. He was dropping back to Blackburn at rapid rate of knots. Time was on his side with a lap to go he held on but only just, crossing the line 0.036 of a second ahead of Blackburn as the chequered flag was waved. Polley had a quiet race from the start and finished in second leaving Byrne to come home to take the win. 

07-June-2025: Above: Lee Flynn, Leastone, passes Eamonn Thornton, Leastone.

 Below: Dan Polley, Sheane, on his way to second place during the Selco,ie Formula Vee race at Mondello Park. Picture: Barry Cregg

07-June-2025: Conor Melia, Sheane, took pole position and third place during the Selco,ie Formula Vee race at Mondello Park. Picture: Barry Cregg

It was a very eventful formula vee race but a great return to the series for Byrne who wasn't sure if he would keep up the pace at the front after his pace in testing. He was on the pace though even if it was wet. Speaking afterwards the delighted Wicklow man explained how his race went; 

" We are down on power so when the rain came it levelled the playing field. We got lucky and stayed on track so it worked out well. I'm waiting on my main engine to come back from a rebuild so I wasn't expecting much in qualifying but got a good lap in and then it the rain got heavier so I ended up in third. I got a cracker of a start got into second and had a great battle with Gavin and Conor, until I seen one spinning off in my mirrors and then the other spin off in front of me on the same lap. I backed off a bit after that to get to the finish. It is great to get a win as I haven't been out this year yet but I'm looking forward to getting back here in July for the next round."

07-June-2025: Jack Byrne, Sheane, with his daughter Eabha aged 9 weeks, after winnng the Selco,ie Formula Vee race at Mondello Park. Picture: Barry Cregg